Fantasy Football: Week 4 Outlook for the San Diego Chargers

Not one San Diego Charger had a good game last week against the Atlanta Falcons, let alone an average one. Ryan Mathews made his 2012 debut and started rolling early, but after he fumbled four yards before the end zone, he fell out of the rotation and involvement. Philip Rivers was flat-out horrible. Because he failed to produce, his receivers didn't do a thing as well.

Throughout the week, people have already started to knock Philip Rivers. Aside from his Week 3 performance, Rivers has played well, especially in Week 2. There's no doubt about it—Vincent Jackson is missed, but Malcom Floyd is stepping up. Expect him to have a big game against the Kansas City Chiefs after his new contract extension.

Philip Rivers (START)

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Many different experts and sites are saying to sit Rivers and start quarterbacks like Christian Ponder and Jake Locker this week. Don't do it. Play Philip Rivers with confidence. He has weapons and with Ryan Mathews, who I see having a big day, will put up top five numbers this week.

Projections: 315 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Ryan Mathews (START)

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Mathews is another guy who's been getting hammered for his Week 3 performance. The headlines have been that he'll have limited carries because of his fumbling problems. Jackie Battle could develop into the Mike Tolbert of 2012, but he isn't as effective in the passing game.

Ryan Mathews is the Chargers' best back for Rivers to dump it off to. Expect No. 24 to bounce back in Week 4.

Projections: 85 yards rushing, 30 yards receiving and one touchdown.

Malcom Floyd (START)

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With the departure of Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd jumped straight to the top in Rivers' favorite targets. San Diego loves big, lengthy receivers, and that's exactly what Floyd is.

He's already made some spectacular catches this season, but he has also dropped many easy passes. Because Rivers continues to target Floyd multiple times a game, his upside is huge.

The two receivers who were brought over to replace Vincent Jackson have not yet made an impact. The chemistry isn't there between Rivers and Meachem, and Royal doesn't get involved much. Meachem only has six receptions for 92 yards, and Royal has six receptions for 29 yards.

The greatest tight end in Chargers history has started slow in 2012. He's been targeted 15 times in the two games he's played. Philip Rivers loves Antonio Gates. He's the most dependable guy on the offense.

Rivers will get him the ball plenty of times this week.

Projections: 115 yards receiving and one touchdown.

Defense (SIT)

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The Kansas City Chiefs have momentum coming into this game. They're at home and ready for a battle. Jamaal Charles is playing out of his mind, and even though San Diego's run defense is one of the best right now, it's risky to play them.

Nick Novak (SIT)

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It's his first game of the season taking over for Nate Kaeding, who didn't make the trip to Kansas City after suffering a groin injury. I believe the Chargers will be efficient in the red zone, scoring more touchdowns than field goals.